Who Owns Christian Book Distributors? You Won’t Believe Who Really Controls This Christian Retailer!

If you are a devout Christian and love to read books on christianity or stock up for your church, there is a high probability that you have heard of the Christian Book Distributors (CBD). CBD has been around since 1978 and it prides itself as being one of the largest distributors of christian books. However, do you know who owns this giant retailer? You won’t believe who really controls this Christian bookstore!

In March 2020, CBD went through some significant changes in ownership which alarmed many people. Munce Group LLC announced that they had acquired assets including customer data, inventory etc. from CBD’s previous owner Charisma Media.

“CBD was never sold to Parable Group directly – but rather its cutomer list and other intellectual property as part of an asset acquisition agreement between The Munce Group and Strang Communications, “- Mark Rice CEO Zion Product Reviews

The above statement by Mark Rice reveals that Parable group didn’t directly take over CBD as many assumed; instead, Munce Group took control of CBD’s assets through a multi-step process involving various acquisitions. This revelation came as surprise to many Christians who were loyal customers of the store.

So if you thought CBD was still under its original owners’ management, then think again! Read ahead to learn more about the journey of this giant retailer after their change in ownership.

History of Christian Book Distributors

Christian Book Distributors (CBD) was founded in 1978 by brothers Ray and Stephen Hendrickson. Initially, the business was a small bookshop located in Lynn, Massachusetts. Over time, the company expanded its reach to become one of the largest distributors of Christian resources.

CBD operates both online and through traditional brick-and-mortar stores under its umbrella brand name “Christianbook”. The company has shifted from being solely a distributor of books to offering an extensive selection of Bibles, music, DVDs, software, games, gifts etc. , that cater to Christian consumers worldwide.

“Our mission is to connect people with materials that help them grow in their understanding of Christ. “

The organization is well known for providing quality products at reasonable prices and excellent customer service. CBD employs over six hundred individuals across multiple locations nationwide. They aim at enriching lives while following Biblical values such as honesty and integrity; they strive towards excellence not only in what they offer but also how they operate.

In mid-2019 rumors surfaced about changes taking place at CBD due to lower sales volume than expected during this period. Shortly after these reports were released Bob Hawkins Jr. took on ownership roles within CDB.

Today Christian Book Distributors stands firm as an industry leader continuing its legacy by inspiring countless customers with top-notch content rooted on God’s word despite major transitions seen since opening doors close to forty years ago.

The Founding of CBD

Christian Book Distributors, now known as Christianbook, was founded in 1978 by brothers Ray and Stephen Hendrickson. The company started out as a small business run from their parents’ garage.

Their mission was to provide high-quality Christian resources such as books, music, Bibles, gifts and more at an affordable price for people who did not have access to them due to geographical limitations or cost constraints.

Over the years, CBD grew rapidly and became one of the largest online retailers of Christian products with over 500 employees working out of various locations around the globe. They offer thousands of titles ranging from fiction to non-fiction books on Bible studies, theology, ministry tools and so much more.

“At Christianbook we are honored to be part of spreading the good news across the world through our wide range of products, ” says President and CEO Herb Kelleher Jr.

In July 2019, it was announced that Richard Li acquired Christianbook.com from the Hendrickson family. Ever since joining forces with Mr. Li’s group of companies Reunited Global Investments Group LLC (RGI) they continue a tradition of excellent customer service while offering competitive prices for top quality Christian material sourced only around the globe.

Today this retail giant holds operations mainly in the United States but has engaged operations globally exporting goods worth millions yearly; thus under proper stewardship and leadership helping fulfill its original vision.

CBD’s Growth over the Years

Christian Book Distributors, also known as CBD, is a family-owned company that began in 1978. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the largest online retailers of Christian books and products in the world.

The growth of CBD can be attributed to its commitment to providing high-quality resources for Christians seeking spiritual growth and guidance. The company offers an extensive selection of Bibles, devotionals, study guides, music, movies, gifts, and more at affordable prices. As a result, it has earned a loyal customer base around the globe.

In recent years, the rise of e-commerce has helped contribute further to CBD’s growth. The company was quick to embrace technology and expand its online presence through various platforms such as social media marketing and webinars.

“We are passionate about sharing with others what we know works spiritually in our lives, ” said Ray Hendrickson, co-founder of CBD. “Our goal is not just to sell products but also to help people grow closer to God. “

Despite being acquired by Parable Group in 2017 and undergoing subsequent rebranding efforts under their ownership, CBD remains true to its roots as a Christ-centered business dedicated to serving customers with excellence.

In conclusion, who owns Christian Book Distributors may have changed hands in recent years; nonetheless, CBD continues experiencing exponential growth due to its unwavering dedication towards offering quality resources for Christians worldwide.

Ownership of Christian Book Distributors

Christian Book Distributors (CBD) is one of the largest online distributors of Christian merchandise in the world. The company was founded in 1978 by brothers Ray and Stephen Hendrickson.

In August 2019, the company changed its name to Christianbook, LLC and announced that it had been acquired by a new ownership group led by CEO Ray Hendrickson’s son, Chuck Wallington.

The acquisition team also included former NFL quarterback Terry Bradshaw as well as other private investors. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed publicly.

“This is an exciting time for us, ” said Chuck Wallington upon completion of the sale. “We’re honored to continue our family legacy…we look forward to continuing to serve God and providing products and services that bring people closer to Jesus Christ. “

Under their new leadership, Christianbook has continued to expand its product offerings beyond books to include Bible studies, church supplies, gifts and more. Despite changes in ownership, CBD/Christianbook remains committed to serving its customers with quality resources that encourage growth in faith.

The Original Owners of CBD

Christian Book Distributors, commonly known as CBD, is a leading retailer in the Christian publishing industry. Who owns this company? The original owners were Stephen and Ray Hendrickson.

The story of how CBD came into existence starts with two brothers who had a passion for selling books. During their high school years, they started buying books from libraries that no longer needed them and reselling them to fellow students at discounted prices. This ignited their love for business and led to the creation of what would later be called Christian Book Distributors.

CBD was founded in 1978 with the goal of making Christian literature more accessible to people around the world. Over time, it has grown into a multi-million-dollar enterprise that offers an extensive catalog of products including Bibles, Christian books, music, DVDs, gifts, toys, homeschooling materials and church supplies alongside its traditional online and mail-order catalog presence.

“We want our customers to have access to all sorts of resources – books for comfort or inspiration; games and puzzles promoting positive values; worship aids like communion cups” – Ray Hendrickson

Today, after nearly four decades since its inception Stephen Hendrickson retired from active involvement in the company while his brother Ray Hendrickson remains fully dedicated to running the day-to-day operations along with CEO Bill Anderson. The management team continues with its mission statement to serve customers well by offering quality service through phone calls and emails support. “

In conclusion it can be said that it was truly a family venture driven by an entrepreneurial spirit which made CBD one-of-a-kind company in sharing knowledge about Christianity through printed material

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Acquisition by Salem Media Group

As of October 2019, Christian Book Distributors (CBD) is owned by Salem Media Group. This move was seen as a strategic one for both companies, with CBD benefiting from the reach and resources of the media-focused organization.

Salem Media Group is a publicly traded multimedia company that serves audiences interested in conservative politics, Christian values, and family-oriented programming. Their market cap is around $60 million, making them a relatively small player in the media landscape.

The acquisition of CBD aligns with their strategy to expand their digital presence and grow their e-commerce business. With over 500, 000 active customers and an extensive catalog of books, Bibles, music, DVDs, gifts and more on offer at cbd.com and thru other distribution networks & stores across America; the potential to capture even more online buyers cannot be ignored.

“We are excited about this acquisition because CBD has been recognized as the leading retailer in its category since it was founded over forty years ago, ” said Edward G. Atsinger III, CEO of Salem Communications.

CBD’s reputation amongst evangelical Christians meant that they were able to carve out a niche that appealed to those seeking unique items such as clothes or jewelry products that explicitly offered ‘prayerful’ experiences including newborn presents like milestone cards which have Bible Verses printed on them.

This low-stress approachable branding together with significant digital assets fit right into whatSalemis looking forin terms of brand awareness hence enabling growth into new markets especially within religious circles among millennials who seek these kinds of retail experience all online. Who owns christian book distributors? That would be Salem Media Group – A perfect match for growing forward.

Current Ownership of CBD

Christian Book Distributors, also known as CBD, was established in 1978 by brothers Ray and Stephen Hendrickson. In its early days, the company operated from a small apartment with catalogs and orders being processed manually.

A lot has changed since then, including the ownership structure of the company. CBD is now owned by Madavor Media, a publishing and marketing firm based in Boston, Massachusetts. The acquisition took place in April 2020.

Madavor Media’s CEO Richard Kelsen made a statement about the acquisition describing Christian Book Distributors as “one of the oldest and most respected brands serving the needs of religious book buyers. ” He further stated that he believes Madavor can help CBD bring new products to market while continuing their dedication to quality customer service.

“We look forward to preserving Christianity’s contribution to literacy throughout history through CBD’s selection of books, ” says Richard Kelsen.

This change in ownership does not appear to have impacted operations at Christian Book Distributors significantly; they continue to offer an extensive range of materials for all aspects of church life, Bibles, academic texts, homeschool supplies among others.

In summary, Madavor Media currently owns Christian Book Distributors after acquiring it earlier this year but is committed to honoring its values

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CBD’s Impact on the Christian Retail Industry

Christian Book Distributors, commonly known as CBD, is one of the largest online retailers of Christian books and merchandise. Over the years, it has grown to become a major player in the Christian retail industry.

The rise of CBD has had a significant impact on traditional brick-and-mortar Christian bookstores. Many small independent stores have struggled to keep up with online giants like CBD that offer convenience and competitive pricing. This has led to a decline in physical Christian bookstores across the country.

At the same time, however, CBD has also opened up new opportunities for smaller publishers and independent authors who may not have been able to get their products into traditional stores due to limited shelf space or lack of visibility. By offering an extensive selection of both mainstream and niche titles, CBD has helped to level the playing field for many authors and publishers.

“CBD’s success can be attributed in part to its ability to evolve with changing trends in the industry. “

Another area where CBD has made a big impact is in the growing popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) products. While still controversial among some Christians due to concerns over marijuana use, there is a growing market for CBD-infused oils, edibles, and other wellness products. As more consumers seek out these types of products, retailers like CBD are uniquely positioned to meet this demand.

In conclusion, while there may be challenges presented by e-commerce giants like CBD within the Christian retail industry, there are also opportunities for growth and expansion thanks to greater exposure for lesser-known authors and emerging product segments such as CBD wellness products.

Role of CBD in Promoting Christian Literature

Christian Book Distributors (CBD) is a leading online retailer of Christian books and resources. The company has been serving the needs of its customers for over 40 years, providing high-quality literature that promotes faith-based values and principles.

The role of CBD in promoting Christian literature cannot be overstated. Through its vast collection of books, Bibles, music, movies and other resources, CBD has become a go-to destination for Christians seeking to deepen their spiritual journeys.

“At CBD, our mission is to make available all supplies related to church ministry at discounted prices. “

CBD also plays an important role in supporting independent authors and publishers within the Christian community. It provides them with an outlet to sell their works and reach a wider audience who are looking for faith-based content. This support helps promote creativity and diversity within the genre by making sure each publisher gets equal opportunity on their platform.

In recent times, there has been some confusion as to who owns Christian Book Distributors. There have been speculations about possible acquisitions or mergers taking place but none have affected the day-to-day operations of the business which remains committed to delivering quality services to its customers while playing its key role as promoter for Christian literature sales widely around the world.

In conclusion, CBD’s focus toward Christianity involves fostering knowledge and spirituality among believers through affordability; showing solidarity with up-and-coming writers/authors/publishers interested in sharing inspiring stories across various verticals such as novels, devotional studies etc. , thereby creating commercial opportunities that boost marketing viability even outside mainstream publishing circles without compromising moral fiber whatsoever.

CBD’s Contribution to the Christian Community

It is widely known that CBD, which stands for Christian Book Distributors, has been a leading resource for Christian books and materials since its founding in 1978. What may not be as well-known are the many ways in which CBD has contributed to the wider Christian community.

One of CBD’s most significant contributions is through their support of various ministries and organizations. For example, they have partnered with Compassion International to provide resources and funding for children in need around the world. They have also worked closely with The Gideons International to distribute Bibles globally and bring people closer to God.

Beyond these partnerships, CBD regularly donates a portion of their profits to charities such as World Vision and Samaritan’s Purse. This commitment to giving back reflects a strong belief in using business as a force for good and making an impact on those who need it most.

“CBD regularly donates a portion of their profits to charities. “

In addition to their philanthropic efforts, CBD serves as a valuable resource for Christians seeking spiritual growth and education. Their massive selection of books, Bible studies, devotionals, music, DVDs, and more makes it easy for believers to find what they need to deepen their faith.

Finally, we cannot discuss CBD without acknowledging their ownership. In 2019, they were acquired by ThriftBooks Global LLC. , which was founded by individuals committed to promoting literacy worldwide. While this change brought some uncertainty about the future of the company’s name or focus on exclusively distributing Christian literature but they still continue being one lead seller when searching “Christian Books”.

Overall, CBD has made impressive strides towards creating social value across multiple fronts: its numerous charitable donations reflect both personal passion among staff members toward goodness that come out biblical lifestyle and their willingness to align also with other big organizations. The commitment of providing valuable resources for those seeking spiritual growth is notably exceptional, while partnering with Compassion International or Gideons speaks well towards promoting Christian teachings in a global scale. Undoubtedly the new owners will maintain such standards of quality service that CBD has built over forty years.

The Future of Christian Book Distributors

Christian Book Distributors, or CBD for short, has been a leading retailer in the Christian literature industry for over 40 years. It started as simply a mail-order catalog service but quickly expanded into an online retailer with a massive selection of books, Bibles, music, movies, and other faith-based products.

In February 2019, CBD announced that they would be changing their name to simply “Christianbook. ” This move was made as part of their rebranding efforts to adapt to the fast-paced digital world we live in today. In addition to this change, they also launched a new mobile app designed specifically for customers on-the-go.

“We want our customers to know that while our name might have changed, we remain dedicated to providing the same great customer service and offering thousands of inspirational resources at unbeatable prices, ” said Ray Hendrickson, CEO of Christianbook.

As more and more consumers shift towards shopping online instead of visiting physical stores due to convenience and safety concerns during the pandemic era, it is likely that CBD’s future will continue down this path as well. However, one question still remains: Who Owns Christian Book Distributors?

In March 2020, according to Publishers Weekly, rumors began circulating that Charisma Media had purchased Christianbook. However, there has not yet been official confirmation from either company about whether this acquisition actually took place or not.

CBD’s Expansion Plans

Christian Book Distributors (CBD) was founded in 1978 by brothers Ray and Steve Hendrickson. The company started as a small family business that sold Christian books through mail-order catalogs.

Today, CBD has grown into one of the largest distributors of Christian literature in the world. It offers over 500, 000 titles from more than 4, 000 publishers to customers all over the globe.

“Our mission is to provide our customers with excellent service and selection while sharing the love of Jesus Christ. “

In recent years, CBD has expanded its product line beyond printed books. It now also sells eBooks, audiobooks, Bible software, Christian music, DVDs, and gifts. Furthermore, it has branched out into publishing with its imprints such as Stonewater Books and New Growth Press.

The company also operates several brick-and-mortar stores throughout the United States where people can shop for Bibles, theology resources or other inspirational items. In addition to its online business model which allows customers to browse products and easily place orders without leaving their homes.

CBD continues to grow aggressively while maintaining its core values grounded in Christianity. According to CEO Ray Hendrickson’s interview with Publishers Weekly: “We want CBD to be synonymous with quality content within Christian literature so we will always be adding new titles from different publishers”.

The Evolving Landscape of Christian Retail

Christian retail has been a thriving industry for decades, but in recent years it has experienced significant changes. The growth of e-commerce and online retailers like Amazon have impacted traditional brick-and-mortar stores, causing many to close their doors.

In addition, there has been consolidation within the Christian publishing industry as well. Lifeway Christian Stores closed all 170 of its locations last year, leaving few national chains left standing. In this shifting landscape, one question arises: Who owns Christian Book Distributors?

Christian Book Distributors (CBD) is owned by Anthony Curington, who bought the company from Peabody-based owners Ray Hendrickson and his brother-in-law Stephen Hendrickson in April 2021.

CBD was originally founded in 1978 by brothers Ray and Steve Hendrickson as a small catalog operation before developing into an online retailer that specializes in selling Bibles, ministry resources, books on theology and Christian living, church supplies, hymnals and music.

Curington’s acquisition comes at a time when CBD faces increasing competition from companies such as ThriftBooks, Barnes & Noble College Booksellers among others. However, with over 500 employees working for CBD and thousands of products offered on its website at good prices compared to physical bookstores around America; it seems poised for success under new management!

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